London’s vibrant celebration of design and creativity, Clerkenwell Design Week, took place from May 20 to 22, where the buzzing city turned into a playground for architects, designers, and curious minds. Over the three days, the area’s iconic showrooms, pop-up exhibitions, and installations showcased cutting-edge furniture, interiors, and materials that really inspired.
A review of the week is long overdue,and it is a must, since it’s one of the rare events where the entire city transforms into an entirely new, vibrant atmosphere.
Our Head of Design, Betül İnci, went around the maze of a show that CDW is and has shared her reflections with us on trends, collaborations and the feel of the city:
“CDW is an event in which you can vicariously experience by walking around the city. There’s a plethora of events, exhibitions, panels and installations- the whole packagewhich is what design is all about.
Even if Parla chose not to have a booth this year, our products were still at the forefront in showrooms that were participating such as Panaz, where our award winning Cora Armchair by Seda Yetkiner was enhanced with Aston Faux Leather, and Bert Frank’s showroom where we were the furniture sponsor for the showroom and an engaging panel conversation. I believe that even attending the events at CDW, roaming around London and networking with industry friends shows how design-oriented a company Parla is. We observe, draw inspiration, collaborate and solidify our place in the design community.
I encountered many striking architectural installations which I believe were a part of Brick and Water. Inspired by brick, stone, and water, Alex Chinneck’s gravity-defying brick arch in Charterhouse Square was a must-see. At The Charterhouse, there were many talks over the three days with sessions curated by Dezeen covering topics from colour + design trends to AI and heritage renewal. I tried to tune in as much as I could.
I visit London every month, and experiencing the city alive with such vibrant, design-driven energy is always a delight. I truly appreciate witnessing the blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and forward-thinking innovation. This year the weather at CDW was amazing, which also brings everything alive even more!”
